I can’t remember how many times we’ve texted, jotted down on cocktail napkin, or typed into other people’s phones this list of Portland recommendations. It’s time we put it all together in one place!

Corey and I got married in Northport, Maine. Since the majority of our guests either flew into Boston Logan International Airport or live in Boston, our “destination wedding” meant that everyone had to drive through Portland, Maine. We were so excited for our friends to experience one of our favorite cities in the world. Corey lived in Maine for a few years, and a huge part of our early relationship was exploring the city. Here are the recommendations we sent to our wedding guests!

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Portland, Maine was Bon Appetit’s 2018 Restaurant City of the Year, and we couldn’t agree more. For the last few years, this small but mighty city has quickly become the best food scene in New England. Whether you’re flying into Portland, or driving through from Boston, we hope you get to explore this amazing city along the way.

Coffee Around Portland

Scratch Baking Co.
Bakery: 205 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106
Toast Bar: 205 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106
Hands down, one of our favorite bagels in the northeast (yes, it even gives our beloved Bagelsaurus a run for its money). They sell out of bagels early, so if there aren’t any left at the bakery, wander by the toast bar to grab one with all the fixin’s.

Tandem Coffee
742 Congress St., Portland, ME 04102
For many of our friends, Tandem Coffee is a pilgrimage – a stop they must make every time they’re in Portland. Their coffee beans are ubiquitous at independent coffee shops all over Boston. But while their coffee is good, what I really love are their pastries – their biscuit with butter and jam is delightful.

Lunch Around Portland

High Roller Lobster Company
104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101-5003
Everything from lobster rolls to burgers, I think of them as upscale “diner fare.” A quick and delicious stop for your drive. Friends love them for their juicy lobster rolls. Corey loves them for their excellent beer selection. I love them for their positive energy and terrific service.

Dutch’s
28 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101
Everything on their menu is amazing. Breakfast all day, counter-service, and zero fuss. I love low-key breakfast places and this is my personal “Portland must visit.” I dream about their crispy polenta fries. Beware: lines are long on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Haraseeket Lunch and Lobster
36 Main Street, South Freeport Maine 04078
A little off the beaten-parth, Haraseeket has incredible seafood (lobster, fried clams) with a charming water view.

Dinner Around Portland

Scales
68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
If you have time to spare and money to spend, this is our favorite upscale restaurant in Portland. A beautiful waterfront location with fresh and uniquely prepared seafood. This is where we took our parents a few days after the wedding!

Pai Men
468 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101
Excellent ramen, excellent beer. What more could you ask for?

Izakaya Minato
54 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
We wandered in here on a weeknight and went for their affordably-priced chef’s menu. Wow. The flavors were diverse and delicate, and the JFC (Japanese Fried Chicken) was a showstopper.

Beer Around Portland

Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Corey, Ryan, Steve, and Wells are regulars here, and we bring our friends here every chance we get. Not only is Allagash good people, but their beers are consistently great and so is their service.
Favorites include: Cureuix (bourbon-barrel aged tripel), Klippenstein (bourbon-barrel aged stout), James Bean (bourbon-barrel aged tripel with coffee), and all of their sours.

Lone Pine Brewing Company
219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
A bit tucked away from the other breweries, but well worth it for their tasty, hoppy beer. We served Lone Pine at our reception!
Favorites include: OJ, Brightside, Chaga Stout.

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
4 Thompson’s Point Rd, Ste 108, Portland, ME 04102
Big, juicy New England IPAs. They have a wonderful and airy space on Thompson’s Point that’s well worth exploring. The area also features a winery and distillery, so there’s a lot to do in one spot.
Favorites include: Substance and Lux